September 9, 2019

A Back-to-School Dinner Go-To: Fresh Tomato Personal Pan Pizza

Pizza...it's a fan favorite & a classic go-to for so many. As back-to-school & busy pre-fall season is upon us all, eating our favorites while cooking at home & eating healthy is a struggle--not to mention, a constant life balance.

I love this idea for fresh personal pan pizza to make at home as you can make up to four pizzas {all the same or four different varieties} I do two per pizza pan as they're tiny.

The best part is that the garden tomatoes are still handy & fresh basil sprinkled on top makes this a great Indian-Summer dinner. I use no sauce instead I substitute with olive oil.See the below for my garden fresh personal pan pizza recipe:

September 2, 2019

As of late, I've been in a weird mood ranging in a lack of inspiration, a bit of a distaste for social networking as well as a sense of disgust with the rushing of the seasons & life in general.

This range of emotions or rather an odd mood has inspired me in the oddest of ways. I am assuming that everyone can relate falling into a funk--a creative funk if you are a creative person who relies a great deal on creativity for work & job duties. We all go about it different ways, & at first, I wasn't entirely sure how-to channel my funky feelings, but I realized I wanted to change my mindset & clear my negative thoughts.

& So I did. I cleared everything--starting with my closets {a massive purge} to drawers, nooks, cabinets, & bathroom. While I am still de-cluttering the no-other-way to describe the mindset of just not feeling my creative self has slowly begun to lift.

The realization to stop living my life for Instagram, social media, & the liking is very liberating. I have taken sporadic breaks from social networks {some days not on it at all} to get myself back in a creative & inspired mindset.

I am hoping to share a little bit more of my deep decluttering experience in a later blog post {it's/the process is still a work in progress}, but the most current letter from the editor in the September issue of Better Homes & Garden {as he is sharing his thoughts on organization & Marie Kondo's influence} truly sums up my re-purposed mindset in a few words.

"Marie Kondo helped me to recognize that our homes are mirrors of our souls, and, following her example, I want mine to reflect on how I would like my spirit to be: clear, calm, & full of joy."--Stephen Orr, Editor in Chief, Better Homes & Garden printed in the September 2019 issue a Meredith publication.

I have to agree, a clean closet, tidy bathroom drawer, & organized camera equipment bin open to the soul to a clearer & calmer mindset & much {much} room for joy.

Outfit details & giveaway!

September, you know it will be a scorcher but will cool off soon enough. I am partnering with Nantucket-based company, A Salty Soul on Instagram & via my newsletter to give one follower/subscriber the same zip-up sweatshirt.

August 26, 2019

In the Blue: The Truth About Blue Light Blocking Glasses

Writers, photographers, content creators, videographers, & others who work in the creative industry share a lot in common. We all share the daily desire to push boundaries, creating captivating visuals, pen stories that flow like honey, and not we forget the contestant urge to inspire.

Creating is what we do--it's endless. However, creatives also share something else—lots (and lots) of screen time. Whether we are scrolling through our social feeds, editing videos, writing posts, answering the daily grind of emails, and scheduling content for the upcoming days, screen time really adds up!

Needless to say, headaches, as well as dry and tired eyes, are a given in this industry. In fact, the tech that we love {and use} so much is actually harming our eyes by emitting blue light. Some even speculate that this constant blue light absorption can harm our retinal cells over the course of time—yikes!

Luckily, there is a blue light blocking solution. You have probably heard about {ahem, seen} the solution known as blue light glasses. Today, blue light blocking glasses are definitely trending on Instagram and in retail.

Blue light glasses, available in both prescription and non-prescription lens seem like the stylish solution to preventing retinal cell damage as well as preventing digital eye strain—hooray!

Okay, these sound wonderful in theory, but are they effective? The Yellow Spectacles spoke exclusively with Phonetic Computer Eyewear who pride themselves in creative fashion-forward computer eyewear that erases the symptoms {and protects the eyes} from electronic blue lights.

Taylor continues, “That’s where Phonetic Eyewear comes in. Our goal is to create stylish glasses that don’t lack substance.” What makes blue light glasses so special, as well as effective, is the lenses that filter out the blue light before it reaches your eye."

Phonetic as well as other blue light glasses can come in prescription & non-prescription. Taylor tells the magazine, “Phonetic lenses are created with an anti-reflective coating that helps reflect approximately 35-50% of the blue light that is emitted from our screens.”

Pretty neat, right?

So the trend about blue light glasses is that they are not a trend, but an actually necessary for those living, working and creating in our modern world. Taylor shares, “Our glasses definitely make a fashion statement but they also can potentially benefit you in the long run! Our glasses make the perfect accessory but are also helping alleviate discomforts one might feel after spending hours in front of the screen!”

She continues the thought, saying, “We also like to say, if you have to be staring at a screen all day whether it is for work or not, you mine as well as help yourself in the long run and look great while doing so!”

Like many who wear blue light glasses, Taylor shares that most see and feel a difference in a few wears.

August 12, 2019

Dorm Bedding Essentials

It's that time of year, back-to-school-& the start of school for many college freshmen. I wanted to write this 'build your dorm dream bed' post particularly for upcoming college students who really don't know what to expect when it's time to move into the dorms.

Before I dive into the content of what goes into building a dorm bed, I want to say, I lived in a dorm {it was an old inn converted into a dorm} all four years at college.

After two {nightmarish} failed roommate attempts my first semester, I lived in a single then after & highly recommend if that is an option for you.

My biggest piece of advice to any freshmen living in a dorm is to not overbuy for your new space! With retailers & influencers ramping up their sales/posts about all the back-to-school decor it is so easy to get carried away with decorations & extra amenities.

However, you really won't know what will work until you get there & just how little of space {more-than-likely} will have. Save your money for other amenities & necessities. Invest in a chair to chill in, something cute to hang on your wall, & possibly a light--don't go crazy.

Now for the bedding, college beds are tricky in size as they are often a Twin XL & every retailer pretty much has that specific size to accommodate dorms. I say, two sets of sheets are plenty--this way, you'll always have a clean pair & you won't clutter up your limited storage space with extra sheets.

Since these dorm mattresses have been around, buying a full zipped mattress cover is great to stay germ-free. My mom & I always spray sanitized the mattress before enclosing--pro-tip!

The mattress may not be the most comfortable, but that is totally fixable. As you build your bed {the zipper mattress cover first} adding a plush/foam mattress topper to go underneath your sheets will add a cushion for a peaceful night's sleep. You can then, add a mattress topper over that & then your sheets--for even more cushion.

Of course, a Twin-XL blanket {sherpa fabric is the best} is needed to make the bed feel more like home. Buying your college dorm quilt/comforter is always the best part as adding that final touch turns this random bed into your new home away from home!

I found all of my items in this post at Target--if you're looking for a one-stop-shop!

August 5, 2019

Five American Made Brands You Need to Shop

Gingham Ruffle Dress via Sailor Sailor {c/o}

Made in the USA. Over the past {recent years} & more so recently, I have come to appreciate & shop products that are American Made.

I think there has been the idea that a lot of American Made items are little online shops, Etsy stores, & tiny trinkets found wandering in & out of local storefronts when traveling. At least, that was my kind of view on American Made products, but today, that is just not so!

There are so many versatile U.S.A based companies & brands to shop. So, I want to share some of my favorite American Made brands--funny enough, all of my picks have a coastal aesthetic, but that's what I like. Hopefully, you like it too.

Sailor Sailor is a Connecticut based clothing/apparel/home brand that is very on par with the preppy-meets coastal-meets-active lifestyle. Their dresses are dresses that you can live in, but if you're heading to lunch or meet a friend for dinner, you'll still look put-together.

Probably one of the most well-known American Made brands on my list, but I have been adding KJP items to my collection for a few years. They're known for their sailor anchor bracelets but have expanded into clothing, apparel, pet, & tech accessories made in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
If you can stop in their anchor store, in Newport Rhode Island I highly recommend!

If you love well-made, stylish, & the option to monogram then you'll love Palm Beach Sandals. I have a pink & green pair as well as a silver pair & they have worn well over the years. They are made here in the U.S.A West Palm Beach, Florida.

Just Madras is an American lifestyle brand that employees seamstresses across the 50 States! "An American made lifestyle brand, that focuses on traditional fabrics & modern silhouettes to bridge the gap between preppy & contemporary" --Just Madras.

If you have found this post inspiring, you'll love my once a month newsletter, sign up here!

July 29, 2019

Here Come the Blooms: Wedding Trends

Working as a writer & freelancer, I have learned to never say never...while many brides {& grooms} to-be are saying I do I have been doing a lot of wedding content & coverage too--I have been writing for Martha Stewart Weddings.

Wedding coverage is a bit different than the lifestyle content I have grown accustomed to, but speaking with wedding industry experts, florist, & photographers have inspired me here, The Yellow Spectacles to write a wedding trend theme post for readers who are planning a wedding, in a wedding or simply--can't resist a beautiful wedding cake.

A couple of wedding trends that have stood out from me {from writing for Martha Stewart Weddings} as well as on Instagram are the following:

Wedding Photos: I see a trend of couples either doing their wedding photos months before the big day or the day after. This makes sense as doing your wedding photos & everything else that occurs on your wedding day can be very stressful!

Experience Favors: I think this goes in hand with the whole Millennial-fueled idea that experiences are better than things, but a lot of couples are opting to gift their guests experience favors opposed to something left on the table. Think a make-your-own dessert bar or some type of group activity the day after the wedding or week leading up to it.

Private I-Dos: I wrote a piece about this, but there is a trend of couples privately saying their vows to each other before standing in front of everyone to profess their love & lifetime devotion. It's a newer tradition, but I like the idea of couples having a sweet moment together before going out in front of their friends & family.

Smith says, "Flower crowns are a fun, feminine and interactive feature to include in your wedding. Leave a table full of this girly accessory near the entrance so each guest can grab one and snap photos in them. In other words, this event addition is a great way to encourage guests to share photos and create buzz around your event!"

Smith also shares another idea that ties the flower accessory & experience wedding favor themes together. Smith says, "One of our favorite and fashionable gifts are flower jewels! A fresh accessory can be an ideal gift for a bridal shower, garden party."

Continuing, "Flower accessories are perfect gifts to be passed out as guests arrive to set the tone for the festivities to come."

Rose Box NYC also gave insight exclusively to The Yellow Spectacles pertaining to wedding flower trends. Brides-to-be who are planning their bridal shower may want to look to the roses in a box trend.

"Our brides love the idea of adding a special touch to their bridal shower with personalized rose boxes for their guests."

Rose Box continues, "They can use them as a "save the date" memo, a way to thank their family and friends or just to decorate the party. Since we also offer single rose boxes, brides love the idea of having their guests leave the party with a small gift to remember it with."

As for tips for selecting the perfect color combination for your wedding day flowers, it is all about ambiance. Rose Box tells, "We recommend to think about the feeling and ambiance they want to create in their event, try to step out of the traditional thinking and bring something new and innovative to have their special day stand out and memorable experience for their guests."

If you are interested in gaining inspiration for post-wedding day brunches as well as what to do about your wedding engagement photo makeup {professional or do-it-yourself} I will link to three articles I wrote:

What to Wear to a Wedding, Wedding Brunch, &/or Bridal Shower

Lastly, what to wear to a wedding-related event really depends upon the season, wedding, & location, but I do think this darling little dress from Sugar Lips would be adorable to wear to a spring or summer wedding--even a bridal shower too.

You can use code KATELYN15 for discount, but I just hope it brings you some inspiration--the bow around the neck is a perfect balance of delicate & whimsy.

July 22, 2019

Eyeglass Storage Solutions

It's not uncommon for me {or probably anyone} that when your glasses aren't resting on my face they're sat on a desk, nightstand or bathroom shelf waiting to be picked up & worn once more.

Today, glasses are so accessible as well as affordable thanks to online eyeglass stores that it's pretty common for a person to have more than two pairs of spectacles.

& If you're an eyeglass aficionado {like me} chances are, you have more glasses than you have room to store them. Truly, a first world problem, ha!

I hated having all of my glasses that I am currently wearing in cases which were then thrown inside a box collectively. To me, glasses are not only a daily necessity they are also a form of self-expression & works of art. So, I wanted to come up with a clear & effective way to organize & display them.

How-to-organize glasses is hard! There just are that many practical storage solutions for eyeglasses. I recently saw Tezza's IGTV about how she organizes her sunglasses--but I don't have the wall space for that.

Clear Eyeglass Organizer

I looked & looked for something like this clear eyeglass stand & could not find one. Finally, I stumbled across this one from an Etsy Shop called All Custome Gifts.

When it came, I was so confused as I think the stands are 3-D printed & it wasn't put together. However, after I removed the peel & stick backing from each piece, I was able to assemble the stand & it looks really sharp on my dresser.

This one can hold up to 4 eyeglasses.

The fun bright pink pair of frames in this post are from Phonetic Optical. They're called 'Bravo.' This is my third pair of glasses from Phonetic & I absolutely love & recommend them--their blue light blocking lenses are amazingly clear.

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

Stackable/Drawer Eyeglass Organizer

Another option for glasses that I wear, but not on a daily basis, I keep inside this pink acrylic stackable pull out drawer. It's cute & clever. Each drawer has a slot for three glasses.

This also comes in 100 percent clear acrylic too-which I love!

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

More of my favorite eyeglass organizers are shoppable below!

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

My Shopping Cart

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

Adversing Disclosure

The Yellow Spectacles is part of several affiliate advertising programs & may earn commission on clicks/purchases made through this site as well as other social media outlets. Thank you for your loyal support!